How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
If you're looking for a stroller to use on your travels or a light, compact stroller to carry around There are a lot of great choices. We've gone through each one to help you pick the most suitable stroller for your requirements.
A lightweight stroller that glides smoothly and drives well across different terrains. It folds up into a tiny carrying bag that fits into the majority of overhead bins on airplanes.
Easy to Fold
The best strollers for travel can be folded into a compact size that can easily be stored in overhead bins on planes or car trunks. Find models that have a one-hand fold that can be done without any stooping or fumbling. Some also have a convenient carry strap that makes it easy to carry the stroller over your shoulder when not in use. If you plan to spend a lot of time walking on your travels it's a good idea to get an infant stroller with a large undercarriage basket that can hold large diaper bags as well as weekender bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 stroller is the most compact we test. Weighing only 13.7 pounds, it's able to easily fit in airplane aisles and overhead bins. It's also a bit smaller than other strollers making it easier to maneuver in busy streets. It's not the best option for jogging or rough terrain however it's great for city life and short outings where you don't have to carry around a larger stroller.
Another lightweight option is the Nuna Aer+, which packs full-size stroller features into a compact design suitable for air travel. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters sold separately) and has a spacious storage bin, and an effortless ride on bumpy surfaces. It's more expensive than other travel strollers we've tested, but it's worth the price for parents who frequently use their stroller while traveling.
Some strollers provide an easier way to transport them, like the multi-functional Baby Jogger City Tour 2. This stroller has an easy-to-use design that can be folded and unfolded in one hand, and is compatible with all major brand car seats. The front wheel suspension, swivels, and swivel wheels offer a smooth ride across pavements, airports, and cobblestones. The height of the handlebar can be adjusted to suit parents of all heights.
Contours make popular strollers more affordable for those who travel. Their stroller weighs less than the light Pockit and has a sturdy frame, dynamic dual-wheel suspension, a UPF 50+ sun canopy, and plenty of storage space. It has a self standing fold that is easy to fold. It also comes with a handy carry bag and carrying strap.
Easy to Manoeuvre
You should select a travel stroller that is easy to maneuver in all kinds of terrain. This is especially true in the event that you plan to use it for hikes or adventures where you might encounter rough surfaces. Look for a stroller with a user-friendly handlebar and wheels designed to grip the ground well. It should be lightweight and easy to carry so it is easy to lift, transport, or store it.
A great option is the BabyZen Yoyo2, which is a top-rated umbrella stroller that's designed for travel. It's a great option for parents who want an easy-to-use and high-quality product with features that many families want in a travel-friendly stroller, including the ability to fold down small and an extendable sun canopy.
It's a bit harder to push than other smaller travel strollers, but it handles well on a variety terrains and is easy to turn. Another option that is worth considering is the GB Pockit, which is also a rated stroller. It's more expensive than some of the other travel strollers in our rankings however, it comes with an array of features that parents are looking for in a stroller that travels. It has a straightforward handlebar that's easy to maneuver and is compact enough to fit into the overhead bins on planes.
If you like a sleeker look, the Zoe Traveler is a great choice. It's also the highest-rated umbrella stroller based on our evaluations. It's minimalist and sleek design, that makes it look like a backpack when folded. It's also a little lighter than the GB Pockit but it has more storage space and gets an overall higher score for quality than the other smaller strollers we've test.
The Doona is a great travel stroller, which is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and doesn't require any setup. It's also sturdy and comfortable enough to use for multiple children. It's a little more expensive than some of the other options in our ratings but it's built with high-quality materials and earned a top rating for its user-friendliness. It comes with accessories, such as a travel bag and rain cover that other brands require you to purchase separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best travel strollers offer your child a comfortable experience. Look for models that are padded and with a spacious canopy. If you plan to use the stroller as a napper on your travels it is essential that they recline. Also, make sure the seat is appropriate for the size of your child. Some strollers are designed to be as light and compact as is possible However, this could be at the expense of the user's comfort.
There are many options to combine the look and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example, is a stylish stroller which is both light and sturdy. Its aluminum frame is built to last for a long time, and its antishock wheels and 5-point padded harness ensure an enjoyable ride. The Coya also has a large canopy that offers great sun protection.
Another excellent option is the Nuna TRVL, which is a sleek and unique stroller designed to make travelling with kids as easy as possible. It features a one-handed fold mechanism, and push chair is light enough to fit in trunks of cars or overhead bins on airplanes. It is also available with a variety of accessories and customisation options like sun canopies, weather shields, and snack tray.
If you are looking for a buggy for travel that can also be used a daily stroller then the Uppababy G-Link 2 is a great option. This sizable stroller maneuvers smoothly and has all the features that parents appreciate like cup holders storage pockets, an easy buckle, and adjustable shoulder straps. Its spacious seat also reclines and has a large UPF 50+ canopy, which has a mesh window that peeks out.
A good option for families with infant car seats is the Bugaboo Butterfly. This stroller is compatible with various infant car seats and makes it a good choice for families who frequently travel. The compact fold and mobility of this stroller allows you to maneuver through large cities and airports with ease.
A stroller for travel must be comfortable for both you and your infant. Look for a model with an expansive and comfortable seat that reclines to allow napping during long trips. The seat should also feature a a well-padded leg rest, since this can provide an extra comfortable ride. Finally, choose a travel stroller with a comfortable handle that can be used to carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Many strollers designed for travel fold so small that they can be stowed in tight trunks of cars and overcrowded overhead bins. They also often weigh less than 10 pounds, making them easy for anyone (including children) to carry.
The UPPAbaby Minu was among the first travel strollers that could be used as an everyday stroller. It is still a top choice among parents who pack light and don't want their stroller to be checked at the gate when they travel. The stroller that is IATA-certified is simple to move off the plane and fits in the majority of overhead bins. It also has many innovative features, like the ability to fold with one hand as well as a large sunshade. a comfortable seat with several recline positions.
For a budget-friendly model that still feels like a luxury stroller, check out the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It's not the prettiest or the smallest of our test, but it does have an easy-to-use frame and a lot of smart features, including a reclining mechanism and an padded brake. It also has a large basket under the carriage and the ability to fold it with one hand. Additionally, it's eco-friendly and comes with recyclable packaging and a 10-year transferable warranty.
Another top contender is the Bugaboo Butterfly, which has an elongated profile and a host of convenient features. In our tests, it swung well across a variety of surfaces, including wood and shag carpet and its storage basket is big enough for a backpack. The only drawback is its weight (at 17 pounds) which could prevent it from fitting in the overhead bins of smaller planes.
If you do not have enough space to store your stroller, you may be interested in purchasing a bike shed. You can also design a custom nook for it. A garden shed, specifically is a fantastic place to store your stroller because it's weatherproof and shielded from the elements. It's also easily accessible whenever you require it. You can also make use of an area or shed to store your stroller in case it's stolen or lost.